Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) | Plants & Fungi At Kew Cultivation Taraxacum officinale (Photo: Wolfgang Stuppy) Taking the fruits from dandelion clocks can provide hundreds of plants if they are sown onto an all-purpose compost in deep pots, to accommodate the roots, or straight onto open soil. Plants are likely to start flowering in their second year. There are seed suppliers who stock a thick-leaved variety, more suitable for growing as a salad vegetable. The dandelion is so successful at colonising abandoned areas of the garden that no help is really needed to grow it. The plentiful one-seeded fruits are carried on the wind and can travel relatively long distances so neglecting a garden will usually ensure that this plant appears. Removing it is more difficult, as the long, thick taproots will delve down deeply into a border or lawn and even in cracks in paving, making them hard to remove completely. Chopping off the top of the plant is not enough to kill it as it will sprout again from the remaining roots.

Rabbits love the leaves so if you have one as a pet it may appreciate a patch of dandelions being allowed to grow in a corner of the garden. The flowers and fruiting heads are attractive but this plant can soon take over and, because it is so strongly associated with a poorly kept garden, deliberate cultivation is rare. References and credits Clapham, A. R., Tutin, T. G. & Moore, D. M. (1987). Flora of the British Isles. 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Mabberley, D. J. (2008). Mabberley’s Plant-book. A Portable Dictionary of Plants, their Classification and Uses. 3rd Ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Mabey, R. (1996). Flora Britannica. Sinclair-Stevenson, London. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (Feb 2003) Available online . New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd. Taraxacum officinale. (Feb 2003). Press, B. & Gibbons, B (1993).

Photographic Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Britain and Europe. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd, London. Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A. & Dines, T. D. (2002). The New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Kew science editor: Nicholas Hind Kew contributors: Sustainable Uses Group Copyediting: Kew Publishing Authored in partnership with ARKive. For thousands of videos, images and fact-files illustrating the world's species visit While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, the notes on hazards, edibility and such-like included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions.

Dandelion :: Taraxacum officinale parts used: entire plant, leaf, flower, roots energetics: moist, cool actions: alterative, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, aperient, bitter, cholagogue, diuretic, hepatoprotective, mild laxative, tonic (digestive) used for: retrograde metabolism , liver congestion, bile duct obstruction or deficient bile secretion, chronic dyspepsia and indigestion, chronic constipation, many maladies associated with liver derangements can benefit from dandelion Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. These plants are also known as Common Dandelion. They are often found growing in lawns and at roadsides of temperate regions. Dandelion is considered to be a weedy species by some people; however these herbal plants can be used for many culinary purposes and a great supporter of health. Susan Weed says... "Dandelion, like burdock, is one of the most esteemed herbs in healing.

To make Dandelion Cordial, harvest 2 to 3 cups dandelion blossoms, 2/3 cup sugar, rind of ½ organic lemon, 1 quart vodka. Cut off green bottoms of unwashed blossoms. Mix all ingredients and put in a jar, capping and storing in a dark place. Shake daily to dissolve sugar. After two weeks, strain through filter paper and store in a bottle with a tight fitting cap. ~ Susan Weed The Common Dandelion Regardless of the fact that these plants are considered to be one of the most common weed plants found in many countries, they are beautiful little harbingers of spring. It simply amazing to me that so much money is spent every year trying to rid ourselves of one of the most medicinally helpful plants on earth. They will grow to a height that can range between 2 inches (5 cm) and 15 inches (40 cm). Dandelion plants grow from taproots with 1 to 10 stems growing together from each taproot. The straight, purplish stem usually holds the flower heads in a higher position than the foliage. It can be devoid or covered with short hair. The leaves grow in rosettes.

The leaves are obovate or oblanceolate in shape - gradually narrowing as their bases approach the petiole. They usually have sharply toothed edges. Flower heads consists of 40 to 100 florets. The corolla is bright yellow to orange-yellow. The calyculi have 12 to 18 reflexed and glaucous segments. The oblanceolate shaped fruits are called cypselae and usually a straw color. The white or silver silky pappus forms the parachute. These tiny and perfect parachutes enable the wind to carry them far and wide. The dandelion is originally native to Eurasia. But they now call Australia and the Americas Home. They can be found in all the 50 states in USA as well as in most of Canada. Dandelion is a Worthy Weed Reality is that dandelions are often considered obnoxious weeds. But there are many benefits to keeping them. Dandelion makes an excellent companion plant. They release ethylene which is a gas that encourages fruit setting and fruit ripening.. Their taproots bring up nutrients deep in the soil to the surface for use by other plants close by. These roots also add nitrogen and minerals to the soil.

Dandelion's bright yellow flowers attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. Cultivation It is easy to grow dandelions for edible and medicinal purposes. They are hardy perennials and grow in most all soils. They grow all year in milder regions and die down during colder winters. However, the taproots remain quite viable, to the vexation of lawn owners. Dandelions can survive in any type of soil; however, they are known to have a preference for well-drained and humus rich soil. The pH level of the soil should ideally be above 7.0. They grow well both in direct sunlight and partial shade. They can tolerate low temperatures down to -20°F (-29° C). Fertilizing is not terribly important. Dandelions are more commonly found in gardens and lawns that are not very well-fertilized. Harvesting If you want to use the leaves, you should harvest them before the plant goes to seed, otherwise they turn bitter. The ideal time to harvest is before the young plants develop flower buds.

The bitterness of the dandelion is what makes it a good "liver herb", but if you cannot stand it and the flower buds have already started growing, then cut the whole plant to the ground and wait for it to grow again. The roots can be harvested from fall to spring. Look for the biggest, thickest clumps of dandelion leaves, as these are usually fed by a nice, fat root. (says Rose Barlow) The roots are easier to pull out when the soil is soft and moist. They have a long taproot and using a dandelion digger makes this a far easier job. Sad, that the tool was designed for getting rid of a "weed", but cool for those that know its true value and wish to harvest it. Yup, they make a tool especially for digging up dandelions. You can also just use a long flat screwdriver. While you harvest the roots anytime, fall is the best time for dandelion root digging due to the significantly higher concentration of the prebiotic inulin. (helping gut microdome along!) Dandelion roots harvested in fall are less bitter and slightly sweeter than spring roots.

Storing Dandelion You can roast the roots to store them for medicinal purposes. Wash the soil from the root, chop them into small pieces and place in an oven at 250°F(120 °C). If you leave the oven door ajar, moisture can escape and you can dry and roast at the same time. Two hours is usually sufficient. Turn them off and on until they are dry to ensure even drying. They will shrink to a quarter of their original size and turn brown. The dried or roasted roots can be ground to use for tea or use them as a vegetable in soup. Dandelion greens or leaves are usually eaten raw or cooked fresh. They have a peppery taste. The leaves of dandelion are called "Dandelion Greens" and eaten in soup and salad. The flowers are used to make Dandelion Wine and dandelion flower jam. These flowers are also used for making a substitute for honey (May-honey). Ground and roasted roots are sometimes used as a substitute for coffee. Mixed with chicory, prepared the same way, is waaay good. May-honey is used for liver ailments.

Dandelion root is sold as a diuretic in Canada where it is a registered drug. The tea made from the dried roots is used to improve gallbladder and liver functions and to alleviate many digestive disorders. The tea from the leaves is an excellent blood tonic, purifying the blood. The milky latex of the roots and leaves of these plants can be used as a mosquito repellant. Dandelion flowers are used for making green and yellow dye colors. Benefits of Using Dandelion These benefits make the dandelion quite useful for supporting health in a variety of ways... The leaves of these plants are rich in vitamins A, C and E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and fiber. Fresh dandelion greens and roots have anti-oxidant properties. Can control blood cholesterol and help to reduce weight. Dandelion tea is believed to be beneficial for the liver and digestive system, stimulating liver and digestive functions. These plants are considered one of the greatest sources of Vitamin K.

Dose: use 1-2 teaspoons of root in 8 ounces of water, decoct for 20 minutes, drink 4 ounces 3x/day; 30 to 40 drops of a 1:2 tincture 2-4x/day Interesting Facts The most interesting thing about the dandelion is in spite of the fact that it has a reputation as a weed, it is the cheapest medicine on the planet and so many want it dead. The iron and calcium levels of the leaves are known to be even higher than spinach. The name "Dandelion" originally derives from "dent de lion" meaning "lion's tooth" in French. The resemblance of their leaves with the tooth of lion earned it the name. The word "officinale" in the scientific name means Taraxacum officinale is used in medicine. The common dandelion is an amazing species of herbal plant offering benefits too many to count. These weeds are not trouble but a blessing for any garden. Thankfully, they are increasing in popularity both as leafy vegetable an herb used to support wellness.

Dandelioness Herbals has a page that you will enjoy if you'd like to know more about the dandelion!(recipes included) Dandelions Are Here! Safety: Upset stomach may be the most common side effect of consuming dandelion. It tends to increase stomach acid production. The latex of the roots and leaves can cause irritation in sensitive people if it comes into direct contact with the skin. Dandelion Root should not be used in biliary abscess or obstruction. "But, like all good rebels, the dandelions are irrepressible." - Guido Masé, herbalist and author of The Wild Medicine Solution Clinical Research on Dandelion Chun Hu and David D. Kitts. Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. October 2004. Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from dandelion flower suppress iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells. Springer Netherlands. 245:1-2(107-113).

[ PMID: 15543940 ] Conney AH, Lysz T, Ferraro T, Abidi TF, Manchand PS, Laskin JD, Huang MT. et al. Inhibitory effect of curcumin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid on tumor promotion in mouse skin by 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Cancer Research 1988; 48(21):5941-5946 [ PMID: 1908616 ] Lee WJ, Zhu BT Inhibition of DNA methylation by caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, two common catechol-containing coffee polyphenols. Carcinogenesis 2006; 27(2):269-277. [ PMID: 16081510 ] Eisenbrand, Gerhard (2000). Carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic factors in food: symposium. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. pp. 105.

( DOI: 10.1002/3527606246 ) Works Cited: Ed Smith "Therapeutic Herb Manual" 1999 A Modern Herbal | Dandelion [ Top ] ---Parts Used Medicinally--- The root, fresh and dried, the young tops. All parts of the plant contain a somewhat bitter, milky juice (latex), but the juice of the root being still more powerful is the part of the plant most used for medicinal purposes. ---History--- The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild Endive, under the name of Taraxcacon. In this country, we find allusion to it in the Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century. Dandelion was much valued as a medicine in the times of Gerard and Parkinson, and is still extensively employed. Dandelion roots have long been largely used on the Continent, and the plant is cultivated largely in India as a remedy for liver complaints.

The root is perennial and tapering, simple or more or less branched, attaining in a good soil a length of a foot or more and 1/2 inch to an inch in diameter. Old roots divide at the crown into several heads. The root is fleshy and brittle, externally of a dark brown, internally white and abounding in an inodorous milky juice of bitter, but not disagreeable taste. Only large, fleshy and well-formed roots should be collected, from plants two years old, not slender, forked ones. Roots produced in good soil are easier to dig up without breaking, and are thicker and less forked than those growing on waste places and by the roadside. Collectors should, therefore only dig in good, free soil, in moisture and shade, from meadow-land. Dig up in wet weather, but not during frost, which materially lessens the activity of the roots. Avoid breaking the roots, using a long trowel or a fork, lifting steadily and carefully.

Shake off as much of the earth as possible and then cleanse the roots, the easiest way being to leave them in a basket in a running stream so that the water covers them, for about an hour, or shake them, bunched, in a tank of clean water. Cut off the crowns of leaves, but be careful in so doing not to leave any scales on the top. Do not cut or slice the roots or the valuable milky juice on which their medicinal value depends will be wasted by bleeding. [ Top ] ---Cultivation--- As only large, well-formed roots are worth collecting, some people prefer to grow Dandelions as a crop, as by this means large roots are insured and they are more easily dug, generally being ploughed up. About 4 lb. of seed to the acre should be allowed, sown in drills, 1 foot apart. The crops should be kept clean by hoeing, and all flower-heads should be picked off as soon as they appear, as otherwise the grower's own land and that of his neighbours will be smothered with the weed when the seeds ripen. The yield should be 4 or 5 tons of fresh roots to the acre in the second year.

Dandelion roots shrink very much in drying, losing about 76 per cent of their weight, so that 100 parts of fresh roots yield only about 22 parts of dry material. Under favourable conditions, yields at the rate of 1,000 to 1,500 lb. of dry roots per acre have been obtained from second-year plants cultivated. Dandelion root can only be economically collected when a meadow in which it is abundant is ploughed up. Under such circumstances the roots are necessarily of different ages and sizes, the seeds sowing themselves in successive years. The roots then collected after washing and drying, have to be sorted into different grades. The largest, from the size of a lead pencil upwards, are cut into straight pieces 2 to 3 inches long, the smaller side roots being removed, these are sold at a higher price as the finest roots. The smaller roots fetch a less price, and the trimmings are generally cut small, sold at a lower price and used for making Dandelion Coffee. Every part of the root is thus used. The root before being dried should have every trace of the leaf-bases removed as their presence lessens the value of the root.

In collecting cultivated Dandelion advantage is obtained if the seeds are all sown at one time, as greater uniformity in the size of the root is obtainable, and in deep soil free from stones, the seedlings will produce elongated, straight roots with few branches, especially if allowed to be somewhat crowded on the same principles that coppice trees produce straight trunks. Time is also saved in digging up the roots which can thus be sold at prices competing with those obtained as the result of cheaper labour on the Continent. The edges of fields when room is allowed for the plough-horses to turn, could easily be utilized if the soil is good and free from stones for both Dandelion and Burdock, as the roots are usually much branched in stony ground, and the roots are not generally collected until October when the harvest is over. The roots gathered in this month have stored up their food reserve of Inulin, and when dried present a firm appearance, whilst if collected in spring, when the food reserve in the root is used up for the leaves and flowers, the dried root then presents a shrivelled and porous appearance which renders it unsaleable. The medicinal properties of the root are, therefore, necessarily greater in proportion in the spring.

Inulin being soluble in hot water, the solid extract if made by boiling the root, often contains a large quantity of it, which is deposited in the extract as it cools. The roots are generally dried whole, but the largest ones may sometimes be cut transversely into pieces 3 to 6 inches long. Collected wild roots are, however, seldom large enough to necessitate cutting. Drying will probably take about a fortnight. When finished, the roots should be hard and brittle enough to snap, and the inside of the roots white, not grey The roots should be kept in a dry place after drying, to avoid mould, preferably in tins to prevent the attacks of moths and beetles. Dried Dandelion is exceedingly liable to the attacks of maggots and should not be kept beyond one season. Dried Dandelion root is 1/2 inch or less in thickness, dark brown, shrivelled, with wrinkles running lengthwise, often in a spiral direction; when quite dry, it breaks easily with a short, corky fracture, showing a very thick, white bark, surrounding a wooden column. The latter is yellowish, very porous, without pith or rays.

A rather broad but indistinct cambium zone separates the wood from the bark, which latter exhibits numerous well-defined, concentric layers, due to the milk vessels. This structure is quite characteristic and serves to distinguish Dandelion roots from other roots like it. There are several flowers easily mistaken for the Dandelion when in blossom, but these have either hairy leaves or branched flower-stems, and the roots differ either in structure or shape. Dried Dandelion root somewhat resembles Pellitory and Liquorice roots, but Pellitory differs in having oil glands and also a large radiate wood, and Liquorice has also a large radiate wood and a sweet taste. The root of Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus) is sometimes substituted for Dandelion root. It is a plant with hairy, not smooth leaves, and the fresh root is tough, breaking with difficulty and rarely exuding much milky juice. Some kinds of Dock have also been substituted, and also Chicory root. The latter is of a paler colour, more bitter and has the laticiferous vessels in radiating lines. In the United States it is often substituted for Dandelion.

Dock roots have a prevailing yellowish colour and an astringent taste. During recent years, a small form of a Dandelion root has been offered by Russian firms, who state that it is sold and used as Dandelion in that country. This root is always smaller than the root of T. officinale, has smaller flowers, and the crown of the root has often a tuft of brown woolly hairs between the leaf bases at the crown of the root, which are never seen in the Dandelion plant in this country, and form a characteristic distinction, for the root shows similar concentric, horny rings in the thick white bark as well as a yellow porous woody centre. These woolly hairs are mentioned in Greenish's Materia Medica, and also in the British Pharmaceutical Codex, as a feature of Dandelion root, but no mention is made of them in the Pharmacographia, nor in the British Pharmacopceia or United States Pharmacopceia, and it is probable, therefore, that Russian specimens have been used for describing the root, and that the root with brown woolly hairs belongs to some other species of Taraxacum.

[ Top ] ---Chemical Constituents--- The chief constituents of Dandelion root are Taraxacin, acrystalline, bitter substance, of which the yield varies in roots collected at different seasons, and Taraxacerin, an acrid resin, with Inulin (a sort of sugar which replaces starch in many of the Dandelion family, Compositae), gluten, gum and potash. The root contains no starch, but early in the year contains much uncrystallizable sugar and laevulin, which differs from Inulin in being soluble in cold water. This diminishes in quantity during the summer and becomes Inulin in the autumn. The root may contain as much as 24 per cent. In the fresh root, the Inulin is present in the cell-sap, but in the dry root it occurs as an amorphodus, transparent solid, which is only slightly soluble in cold water, but soluble in hot water. There is a difference of opinion as to the best time for collecting the roots.

The British Pharmacopceia considers the autumn dug root more bitter than the spring root, and that as it contains about 25 per cent insoluble Inulin, it is to be preferred on this account to the spring root, and it is, therefore, directed that in England the root should be collected between September and February, it being considered to be in perfection for Extract making in the month of November. Bentley, on the other hand, contended that it is more bitter in March and most of all in July, but that as in the latter month it would generally be inconvenient for digging it, it should be dug in the spring, when the yield of Taraxacin, the bitter soluble principle, is greatest. On account of the variability of the constituents of the plant according to the time of year when gathered, the yield and composition of the extract are very variable. If gathered from roots collected in autumn, the resulting product yields a turbid solution with water; if from spring-collected roots, the aqueous solution will be clear and yield but very little sediment on standing, because of the conversion of the Inulin into Laevulose and sugar at this active period of the plant's life.

In former days, Dandelion Juice was the favourite preparation both in official and domestic medicine. Provincial druggists sent their collectors for the roots and expressed the juice while these were quite fresh. Many country druggists prided themselves on their Dandelion Juice. The most active preparations of Dandelion, the Juice (Succus Taraxaci) and the Extract (Extractum Taraxaci), are made from the bruised fresh root. The Extract prepared from the fresh root is sometimes almost devoid of bitterness. The dried root alone was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia. The leaves are not often used, except for making Herb-Beer, but a medicinal tincture is sometimes made from the entire plant gathered in the early summer. It is made with proof spirit. When collecting the seeds care should be taken when drying them in the sun, to cover them with coarse muslin, as otherwise the down will carry them away. They are best collected in the evening, towards sunset, or when the damp air has caused the heads to close up. The tops should be cut on a dry day, when quite free of rain or dew, and all insect-eaten or stained leaves rejected.

[ Top ] ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Diuretic, tonic and slightly aperient. It is a general stimulant to the system, but especially to the urinary organs, and is chiefly used in kidney and liver disorders. Dandelion is not only official but is used in many patent medicines. Not being poisonous, quite big doses of its preparations may be taken. Its beneficial action is best obtained when combined with other agents. The tincture made from the tops may be taken in doses of 10 to 15 drops in a spoonful of water, three times daily. It is said that its use for liver complaints was assigned to the plant largely on the doctrine of signatures, because of its bright yellow flowers of a bilious hue. In the hepatic complaints of persons long resident in warm climates, Dandelion is said to afford very marked relief. A broth of Dandelion roots, sliced and stewed in boiling water with some leaves of Sorrel and the yolk of an egg, taken daily for some months, has been known to cure seemingly intractable cases of chronic liver congestion.

A strong decoction is found serviceable in stone and gravel: the decoction may be made by boiling 1 pint of the sliced root in 20 parts of water for 15 minutes, straining this when cold and sweetening with brown sugar or honey. A small teacupful may be taken once or twice a day. Dandelion is used as a bitter tonic in atonic dyspepsia, and as a mild laxative in habitual constipation. When the stomach is irritated and where active treatment would be injurious, the decoction or extract of Dandelion administered three or four times a day, will often prove a valuable remedy. It has a good effect in increasing the appetite and promoting digestion. Dandelion combined with other active remedies has been used in cases of dropsy and for induration of the liver, and also on the Continent for phthisis and some cutaneous diseases. A decoction of 2 OZ. of the herb or root in 1 quart of water, boiled down to a pint, is taken in doses of one wineglassful every three hours for scurvy, scrofula, eczema and all eruptions on the surface of the body.

---Dandelion Tea--- Infuse 1 OZ. of Dandelion in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes; decant, sweeten with honey, and drink several glasses in the course of the day. The use of this tea is efficacious in bilious affections, and is also much approved of in the treatment of dropsy. Or take 2 OZ. of freshly-sliced Dandelion root, and boil in 2 pints of water until it comes to 1 pint; then add 1 OZ. of compound tincture of Horseradish. Dose, from 2 to 4 OZ. Use in a sluggish state of the liver. Or 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ. Black Horehound herb, 1/2 OZ. Sweet Flag root, 1/4 OZ. Mountain Flax. Simmer the whole in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain and take a wineglassful after meals for biliousness and dizziness. ---For Gall Stones--- 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1 OZ.

Parsley root, 1 OZ. Balm herb, 1/2 OZ. Ginger root, 1/2 OZ. Liquorice root. Place in 2 quarts of water and gently simmer down to 1 quart, strain and take a wineglassful every two hours. For a young child suffering from jaundice: 1 OZ. Dandelion root, 1/2 oz. Ginger root, 1/2 oz. Caraway seed, 1/2 oz. Cinnamon bark, 1/4 oz. Senna leaves. Gently boil in 3 pints of water down to 1 1/2 pint, strain, dissolve 1/2 lb. sugar in hot liquid, bring to a boil again, skim all impurities that come to the surface when clear, put on one side to cool, and give frequently in teaspoonful doses. Taraxacum officinale Dandelion - Kukraundha, Kanphool, Common dandelion, Dandelion PFAF Plant Database Care Summary Bloom Color: Yellow.

Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal. Physical Characteristics Taraxacum officinale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self, apomictic.The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. Synonyms Edible Uses: Coffee ; Tea .

Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 33, 154]. When used in salads, they are rather bitter, though less so in the winter. Tender young leaves are considerably less bitter than older leaves[K]. The leaves are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use[183]. This will make them less bitter, but they will also contain less vitamins and minerals[K]. A very nutritious food, 100g of the raw leaves contain about 2.7g. protein, 9.2g. carbohydrate, 187mg Calcium, 66mg phosphorus, 3.1mg iron, 76mg sodium, 397mg potassium, 36mg magnesium, 14000iu vitamin A, 0.19mg vitamin B1, 0.26mg vitamin B2, 35mg vitamin C[173]. Root - raw or cooked[5, 9, 12, 183]. Bitter.

A turnip-like flavour[159]. Flowers - raw or cooked[102, 159]. A rather bitter flavour[K], the unopened flower buds can be used in fritters[183] and they can also be preserved in vinegar and used like capers[7]. Both the leaves and the roots are used to flavour herbal beers and soft drinks such as 'Dandelion and Burdock'[238]. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn, dried and roasted to make a very good coffee substitute[2, 4, 5, 12, 54, 159]. It is caffeine-free[213]. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers[12, 102]. They are also used to make wine - all green parts should be removed when making wine to prevent a bitter flavour[238]. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea. Medicinal Uses Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Stomachic ; Tonic ; Warts .

The dandelion is a commonly used herbal remedy. It is especially effective and valuable as a diuretic because it contains high levels of potassium salts and therefore can replace the potassium that is lost from the body when diuretics are used[238]. All parts of the plant, but especially the root, are slightly aperient, cholagogue, depurative, strongly diuretic, hepatic, laxative, stomachic and tonic[4, 7, 9, 21, 54, 165, 176, 222, 238]. The root is also experimentally cholagogue, hypoglycaemic and a weak antibiotic against yeast infections[222]. The dried root has a weaker action[222]. The roots can be used fresh or dried and should be harvested in the autumn when 2 years old[4]. The leaves are harvested in the spring when the plant is in flower and can be dried for later use[9]. A tea can be made from the leaves or, more commonly, from the roots[213].

The plant is used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne[238]. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc[176]. The latex contained in the plant sap can be used to remove corns, warts and verrucae[7]. The latex has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver[7]. A tea made from the leaves is laxative[222]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Taraxacum officinale for dyspepsia, urnary tract infections, liver and gallbladder complaints, appetite loss (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Other Uses Compost ; Cosmetic ; Dye ; Fruit ripening ; Latex ; Miscellany . The flowers are an ingredient of 'QR' herbal compost activator[32]. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost[K]. A liquid plant feed can be made from the root and leaves[54]. A low quality latex, which can be used for making rubber, can be obtained from the roots of this plant. A magenta-brown dye is obtained from the root[141]. The plant releases ethylene gas, this stunts the growth of nearby plants and causes premature ripening of fruits[14, 18]. A distilled water made from the ligules (thin appendages at the base of the leaf blades) is used cosmetically to clear the skin and is particularly effective in fading freckles[7]. Cultivation details A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils[1], though it prefers a well-drained humus-rich neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade[37, 238].

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -29°c[238]. The dandelion is a common weed of lawns and grassy places. Though it has a bitter flavour, the plant is often cultivated as a salad crop and as a medicinal plant, especially in parts of Europe. There are some named varieties with larger, more tender and less bitter leaves[183]. Dandelions can provide edible leaves all year round, especially if they are given a small amount of protection in the winter[K]. A valuable bee plant and an important food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly and moth species[4, 24, 30, 54], it grows well in a spring meadow[24]. A deep rooting plant, it has roots up to 1 metre long and brings up nutrients from lower levels of the soil[201]. An excellent plant to grow in lawns, if the lawn is cut no more than fortnightly then the dandelions will provide a good quantity of edible leaves[K]. Grows well with alfalfa[18, 201]. Another report says that it inhibits the growth of nearby plants[54].

This is probably a reference to the fact that the plant gives off ethylene gas, this gas is a hormone that promotes the premature ripening of fruits and also induces the premature fruiting of plants, thereby stunting their growth[14, 18]. T. officinale is not a valid name for this species, but no valid name has as yet been ascribed to it[200]. This is actually an aggregate species of many hundreds of slightly differing species. Most seed production is apomictic which means that plants produce seed non-sexually and all seedlings are clones of the parent, thus small differences are maintained. Special Features:Edible, Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Suitable for dried flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above. Propagation Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and either surface-sow or only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, though 2 weeks cold stratification may improve germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, choosing relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. Plant them out in early summer.

Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth. Other Names Found In Weed Potential Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking. Conservation Status IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Related Plants Dandelion: Roundup guide to garden weeds and dandelion plant control | Roundup Weedkiller Dandelion Find a Weed (Taraxacum Officinale)Native to Europe and Asia but now widespread throughout Australia, Dandelion is a deep tap-rooted perennial with spear-shaped leaves in a rosette formation. Sometimes the leaves are toothed, other times less so. It is a common weed of lawns, especially in cool and temperate regions. Its flowers are bright yellow and daisy-like but without any obvious ‘eye’ and they are carried on stems to 25cm, which exude a milky sap. The seed heads (sometimes known as children’s tick-tocks) contain hundreds of individual seeds, each with its own pappus (silky ‘parachute’) to aid wind dispersal.

Dandelion can be dug out but it is important to also remove the tap root, otherwise it will regrow. Share this page: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) - Sunset Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Common weeds at a glance Familiar as a lawn weed everywhere in the United States, dandelion is particularly troublesome in cold-winter climates. It grows from a deep, fleshy taproot and spreads by windborne seeds. Flowering begins in spring and often continues until frost. If dandelions are growing in your lawn, the turf is probably thin and undernourished. A healthy lawn can outcompete dandelions, so thicken the turf by overseeding and by proper fertilizing, watering, and mowing. Pull dandelions from lawns and gardens while they're small, before they produce a taproot and set seed. Once the taproot has formed, you must remove all of it to get rid of the plant, since new plants can sprout from even a small piece. A special dandelion weeder with a forked blade is helpful.

For chemical control, use a selective post-emergence herbicide containing MCPA, MCPP, and dicamba in spring or fall. Weed Gallery: Dandelion--UC IPM Key to weeds in turf Dandelion is a widely distributed perennial broadleaf weed found throughout California, except in deserts, to about 11000 feet (3300 m). It consists of a complex of biotypes that vary with environmental conditions and is a common weed of mountain meadows and turf, especially in southern California. It also inhabits perennial crop fields, especially those in alfalfa, disturbed sites, and nurseries. It is a host of aster yellow disease, which affects a number of vegetable crops. Because dandelion contains high amounts of certain minerals, it serves as a complement to pasture forage for livestock. In addition to being weedy, the fine hairs of the one-seeded fruit can clog cultivation equipment. Habitat Perennial crop fields (especially alfalfa), orchards, vineyards, turf, nursery crops, pastures, and roadsides. Seedling Cotyledons (seed leaves) are oval, hairless, and have a midvein that terminates with a gland at the leaf tip.

The first and next few leaves are football shaped to oblong, taper at the base, and have weakly toothed edges. Later leaves are widest near the tip with gradually tapering bases and sparsely-toothed edges. Young leaves form a basal rosette. Mature plant Dandelions have no visible stem. Leaves are sparsely hairy or hairless, with deeply serrated edges, and cluster into a rosette at the base of the plant. A strong, deep taproot exudes a milky substance when cut. Flowers Dandelions flower nearly year-round in mild climates. The bright yellow flower head is 4/5 to 1-2/5 inches (2–3.5 cm) across and is found singly on the tip of a hollow, leafless stalk that is 3 to 12 inches (7.5–30 cm) tall. The flower head consists of many, small, yellow, petal-like flowers (ray flowers).

Fruits A tiny, brown, one-seeded fruit (achene) about 1/10 of an inch (3 mm) in length is attached to a long, slender stalk, terminating in a parachutelike structure (pappus) consisting of hairs. Collectively the fruit form a fuzzy, gray-white, spherical fruiting head. Seed Seeds are transported by wind. Reproduction Reproduces by seeds that can germinate almost year-round. Taproots can also send off new shoots. Related or similar plants

Question: What is the common name of the garden weed taraxacum officinale?
Answer: Dandelion